Overview

Blade tomes are built for high-speed offensive mages, helping them deal extraordinary amounts of damage in a single turn with the correct support. Blade tomes are some of the strongest weapons in the game, but rely on much more support than normal. These weapons have one crucial detail, that is, the extra damage applied by the tome is considered to be typeless damage. That makes these weapons marginally stronger vs. colors the unit is weaker to. The huge damage output from Blade tomes is one of the true metagame definers, with many teams choosing to run inexpensive but powerful teams based around users of the skill.

Synergy

Blade tomes are offensive in nature, and rely mostly on the user’s attack and speed stats. Two skills commonly seen with these weapons are Life or Death and Desperation. Under the Desperation threshold, their potential for destruction is enormous, able to KO even units who resist if they get doubled. However, the most import skills for Blade tome users are Hone/Fortify skills. These provide the buffs required to power up the skill user. Try and have a way to buff all four stats within your team, but remember the user cannot buff themselves. These tomes are popular with Cavalry and Flier teams, thanks to their unique class buffs which grant +6 to two stats. This is perhaps the deadliest way to use the skill, due to the unique movement options of these units. If you choose to run Desperation, you can also run Reciprocal Aid or Ardent Sacrifice to get within HP range.

Weaknesses

The lack of real weaknesses makes these tomes very potent. They come with one straight drawback: the user will charge their special move one turn slower than normal. This makes these weapons unsuitable for long duels, as opponents will likely charge their special before you do. In the hands of the AI this skill cannot be used to it’s full potential. They will likely be unable to activate Desperation before the unit is KO’d. Powerful colorless attackers are the best answer to Blade tomes, able to score quick KO’s from range and retreat with the help of an ally.